On October 22nd, the Office of the Chief Human Resource Officer announced changes to the policy on 699 leave. These changes which are slated to come into force on November the 9th, have serious implications for the rights of our members with regard to Article 30.17 (Leave with pay for other reasons) otherwise known as 699 leave.
Though 699 leave is still a paid leave option that is available, the employer is now suggesting that other paid leave options must first be used such as annual leave or family-related leave before authorizing 699 leave.
This new direction from the employer flies in the face of article 30.17 and UCCO-SACC-CSN will not stand idle while the employer seeks to change our working conditions outside of collective bargaining.
OCHRO has signaled that they are following up their new policy with a comprehensive questions and answer document for delegated managers. Though it is still unclear as to what this document will look like, UCCO-SACC-CSN is preparing a policy grievance on this policy change to protect the collective rights of our membership.